Storm forward Eli Katoa has taken a major step in his recovery, returning to training with the Melbourne Storm just two months after suffering a brain injury.
The news has been welcomed by teammates and fans alike, with Katoa’s swift progress highlighting his determination and the strength of the club’s medical support.
Katoa was sidelined earlier in the season after sustaining a brain injury while representing Tonga in a match against New Zealand, an incident that prompted the NRL to investigate and sanction team officials for their handling of the situation.
As it took place in an international match, the Storm were granted salary cap dispensation from the NRL after Katoa was ruled out for the season, but news that he has now returned to training suggests his recovery may be ahead of schedule.
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Since sustaining the injury, Katoa has remained on the sidelines undergoing a carefully managed rehabilitation program prioritizing his long-term health.
Despite the positive update, Storm director of football Frank Ponissi has tempered expectations, noting the injured forward still has a long road ahead before playing again.
“He’s got a long, long journey ahead of him and he’ll have some more challenging days, but just when he can, he can join in with the group at certain times. He’ll do a lot of it on his own, but days like yesterday are a big help. To be around the group was big for him," Ponissi explained.
“We know medically that the doctors have ruled him out for the season, but that won’t stop Eli from being around the group and training with the group. He’s on a heavily restricted plan on what he can and can’t do, but he’s making great inroads physically," Ponissi added.
The Storm have been cautious in their approach, stressing that long-term player welfare remains paramount as Katoa continues to rebuild his confidence and health.
If Katoa maintains his current trajectory, a surprise return to NRL action could come sooner than anticipated, providing a boost to a Storm side that thrives on his physicality and try-scoring prowess. However, it is still incredibly unlikely to happen in the medium term.
When it does occur, it would be a significant lift for the Storm, who have seen their roster impacted heavily, with stars like Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona departed, and others such as Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney set to follow.
Despite the hugely positive news, and for some unexpected, Katoa still has a long road ahead before taking part in actual NRL games.
If his determination and progress are any indication though, he is on track to return and reclaim his status as one of the Storm’s standout stars — potentially marking one of the biggest wins of his career.